Jeb Bush said Wednesday night that those who insist that the science of climate change is completely definitive are exhibiting "intellectual arrogance."
Bush, who made the comments at a New Hampshire campaign event, said that he believes that "the climate is changing" but that it's still unclear how much of that is due to the impact of human behavior.
"I don't think the science is clear of what percentage is man-made and what percentage is natural. It's convoluted," he said.
"For the people to say the science is decided on this is really arrogant, to be honest with you," he added. "It's this intellectual arrogance that now you can't have a conversation about it, even."
The 2016 presidential hopeful suggested that Republicans should not "ignore" the issue of climate change but that the president is making a mistake by highlighting it as a top issue.
The Democratic National Committee was quick to respond.
"Ninety-seven percent of climate scientists agree that human activity has led to climate change," DNC national press secretary Holly Shulman said in a statement. "Ninety-seven percent. But Jeb Bush thinks they’re wrong. Who’s being intellectually arrogant now?"
- Carrie Dann